Thursday, July 4, 2013

Achy Joints - Food Rx: Cherries, turmeric
Here's sweet news: Preliminary research suggests that
eating 20 tart cherries may be as effective as taking
ibuprofen for reducing pain. In a more recent study, eating
about 45 cherries a day reduced C-reactive protein, a major
marker of inflammation associated with arthritis, by 25%.
Likewise, the spice turmeric contains curcumin, a compound
that in one study eased pain as well as ibuprofen did in people
with knee osteoarthritis.Digestive Pain - Food Rx: Peppermint, coconut
The menthol in fresh peppermint and peppermint tea acts as a
carminative (a compound that relieves gas and bloating) and a
muscle relaxer, which can help relieve the cramping and spasms
associated with occasional intestinal distress and full-blown IBS.
For diarrhea, Reardon suggests eating 1 to 3 teaspoons of
shredded unsweetened coconut, which has anti-inflammatory
and antimicrobial properties.Headaches - Food Rx: Coffee, pumpkin seeds
Your pounding head is often a result of dilated, or enlarged, blood
vessels in your brain. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee can help
constrict blood vessels and ease the pain; they also make painkillers
work better so you can reduce your dose. But if you have the
mother of all headaches- a migraine- you may be deficient in
magnesium and could benefit from foods rich in in this nutrient, such
as pumpkin seeds, says Reardon. Magnesium helps calm the
overexcited nerves and tense muscles that contribute to migraine pain.
-Prevention Magazine, July 2013